SF Giants lose pitcher on waivers, seek another reliever

For a time in 2011 and 2012, left-hander Eric Surkamp seemed destined to become the next Giants prospect to join the rotation. But then he blew out his elbow and missed all of 2012 and a chunk of 2013 after Tommy John surgery. The Giants brought him up for one start last season. His velocity and stuff were not quite back yet, and the Reds pounded him for seven runs in 2 2/3 innings in a July 23 doubleheader.

On Monday, the 26-year-old left-hander was claimed on waivers by the Chicago White Sox. The Giants designated him for assignment Thursday to clear a 40-man roster spot for outfielder Michael Morse.

I figured Surkamp would be claimed, because left-handed starters don’t grow on trees, but it’s interesting to note that all 14 National League teams plus the Astros in the American League passed on Surkamp.

The Giants would have liked him to clear waivers so they could outright him to Fresno, but Surkamp has been passed on the depth chart and the club got caught in a roster squeeze because of the Brett Pill situation.

(Maybe someday we’ll learn why exactly the Giants continue to keep Angel Villalona on the 40-man. They say he’s still young (23) and can hit for power, but he’s huge and otherwise not a good player.)

The Giants are in the process of selling Pill’s contract to a Korean team for a reported $500,000. Pill has reached a deal with that team, the KIA Tigers, as well, but Pill remains on the 40-man until all the paperwork is complete. The Giants did not want to simply DFA him and lose a reported $500,000 transfer payment. Also, if the Korean deal fell through, the Giants still could have tried to trade Pill to a major-league team in return for another possible bench player to fill a position of greater need than first base.

Besides, I’m told, the Giants are actively searching for one more big-league reliever. If and when that man is signed, the Giants would have needed a 40-man spot anyway, and Surkamp was probably going to be the one to go.

In sum, it just looks like Surkamp was not in the Giants’ plans, even though they lack rotation depth (which will be a storyline going into spring training if they don’t make another move).

I don’t have a name for you on the potential reliever, but I’m told nothing is imminent and the Giants are not looking for a closer type, which seems to rule out Grant Balfour and Fernando Rodney.

Have a great time watching the 49ers (maybe) final game at Candlestick. Look for my story in tomorrow’s Chronicle on the Brian Johnson Game, which a comment from Johnson on what he’ll think about when he drives up 101 an sees an empty spot where the park used to be.

Also, Merry Christmas, and if I don’t talk to you before Jan. 1, have a Happy New Year.